Ask the Experts

Garden City Hospital is here to help. Now you can browse, search and view answers to frequently asked health questions. Have a personal health question you need answered? We can do that too! Simply submit your question and we will get it to the appropriate GCH health expert for an answer.

Ask the Experts is for general information purposes only. It should never be thought of as medical advice or treatment, nor should it be used in place of a thorough medical screening or an exam by a licensed medical professional. Medical advice should be sought from an emergency room, urgent care center, or licensed medical professional. If you need help finding a physician, use our online physician directory to locate a Garden City Hospital Health Expert that’s right for you.

Check the Sunday issue or your local O&E for more answers from the GCH Health Experts.

Note: Questions are selected both randomly and based on relevance or frequency. Not all submitted questions will be answered. Answers will be posted on GCH.org and not supplied directly to the submitter. To maintain personal privacy, we do not require any personal information be given to submit questions.

Q

My husband recently experienced a “mini-stroke”, and was told it could possibly happen again. At the time, he did not even realize he was having a stroke. What exactly is a mini-stroke? Does it mean the next one could possibly be a full-blown stroke?

A

First, I hope your husband is up and feeling better now. A “mini-stroke”, or transient ischemic attack (TIA), should be thought of as a warning stroke. It is a temporary blockage ... read more

First, I hope your husband is up and feeling better now. A “mini-stroke”, or transient ischemic attack (TIA), should be thought of as a warning stroke. It is a temporary blockage of an artery leading to the brain. Symptoms of TIA last less than 30 minutes usually and are very similar to those of a stroke, but unlike a stroke, when a TIA is over, it usually causes no permanent neurological damage. If you have had a TIA, there is a high probability that you will go on to have a full stroke.

If you’re concerned someone you know might be having a stroke, react quickly and think FA.S.T.:

• F (Face) Ask the person to smile. Does one side of their face droop?

• A (Arms) Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

• S (Speech) Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is their speech slurred or strange?

• T (Time) If you observe any of these signs, call 9-1-1 immediately.

The need for speed is critical if you suspect someone is having a stroke. Because a stroke isn’t a single-moment event, it continues to damage the brain as time ticks away. The sooner you seek medical attention, the less damage is likely to occur.

Choosing a hospital that is a “Certified Stroke Center” helps shift the statistics to the plus side, and GCH has one of the best. GCH staff members quickly assess what the patient is going through and determine the best way to stop, and even reverse, the situation. TIME IS BRAIN!

We’ve only got one brain. And – excuse the pun – but we need to use our heads to protect it. If you’re older than 45, overweight, smoke, have high blood pressure, hypertension or a family history of stroke, see your physician to determine if you’re at risk and what can be done about it.

Q

What exactly is dementia and how do you recognize it?

A

Dementia is a loss of certain mental abilities that most commonly occurs later in life. Of all persons over age 65, 5-8% are affected by dementia. This percentage increases considerably with ... read more

Dementia is a loss of certain mental abilities that most commonly occurs later in life. Of all persons over age 65, 5-8% are affected by dementia. This percentage increases considerably with age. At age 85 and older, 25-50% of people will be affected. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, and accounts for 50-75% of all cases, with another 20-30% due to blood vessel diseases such as “mini-strokes”.

People affected by dementia will occasionally notice the first signs, but often, family or friends initially detect the problem. Typical early symptoms include memory loss and difficulty performing complex tasks. A person may mislay items, become lost while driving, get confused in the middle of a conversation, and lose prior abilities such as balancing a checkbook. As the condition progresses, the deficits become more pronounced and interfere further with daily activities. If you have a loved one who’s been diagnosed with dementia it’s important to learn as much as you can about their condition and develop a plan of action for dealing with it as it progresses. Secure a power of attorney with a trusted family member who can step in when needed.

Q

How can I better care for a loved one with dementia?

A

Because of the intensity of care that may be required, it is often difficult for even the most loving of families to provide all the “around the clock” care that may be needed. If... read more

Because of the intensity of care that may be required, it is often difficult for even the most loving of families to provide all the “around the clock” care that may be needed. If friends or family wish to provide these services, it is very important for them to be aware not only of their loved one’s needs, but also of their own. It is not uncommon for a spouse or children to feel they have an impossible choice between being utterly overwhelmed, if they try to provide all the care, or feeling they have betrayed their relative by placing them in an assisted living facility. This often leads to an exhausted care provider. It is important to use all the resources that are available when caring for a person with dementia. Engage family members and friends to share responsibilities and investigate local community assistance groups. Consider bringing in a professional in-home caregiver, who can help with daily routines, and is trained for handling this exact situation. For their safety, at some point you may have to move a dementia patient to a complete care facility.